Re: Unit wide update of Balconies

Thanks Lady Penelope & Scotlandx for your input – greatly appreciated.

A second look and re-reading of the Agenda items and attachments (quotes), while being in essence as indicated above, may need a slightly different approach.

The Motion is actually: “That the Owners Corporation review and accept one of the quotations received to carry out the necessary balcony works to all balconies on accordance with XXX Consulting’s amended report (attached)”.

Quotes ranged from $53k to $87k.

Problem is that the XXX Consultants report DID NOT recommend Shades / Screens but each quote included them, presumably from a schedule of works provided. Only one has detailed cost breakup. 

I still believe the Motion is OUT OF ORDER and needs a separate “Special Resolution” to cover the addition to Common property.

The consultants report noted in its preamble “The purpose of the inspection was to identify any areas of the slab for repairs prior to balustrade replacement”, indicating to us that the decision to replace the balcony has already been made. It did note some issued with some balconies (not all).

At a July EGM, a similar motion was proposed (with a single quote which included shades / screens sourced by the Strata Secretary) and was defeated, with the meeting requesting the SM to find out what the specific problem was with the balconies, and report back. 

Its now appears to have developed a life of its own in line with the Secretary’s apparent desire (new balconies & shades).

I believe the SMgr at the AGM is unlikely to permit a change to the motion, and another Lot owner has suggested a Lot owners register a dispute for mediation with NCAT on the matter prior to the AGM to get the issue in a situation where it will be harder to circumvent. 

Also the Current Committee does not hold meetings (suggested by the SMgr) and we believe there are many things that have been done which would normally require meetings. Lot owners are in the dark.

I sent a Motion to the S/Mgr well prior to the agenda being sent out requesting a Ctee member give a verbal summary of matters dealt with, but it (cheekily..) did not get onto the Agenda.  

I have formed the view that it is likely that two parties are being cheeky… as you put it Lady Penelope, but it has serious consequences.

Your additional input would be appreciated.